Pages

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Lower Division Five Stars - Round One

A weekly list of the top five players or performances of each round in NASL, USL Pro and MLS Reserves…

ROUND ONE (March 4-April 7)

Andre Akpan - NY Red Bulls Reserves

A recent trade acquisition, the former Rapids striker has already scored three goals for the Red Bulls Reserves, getting the game-winner in a 3-2 victory against Columbus and a pair, including the winner, in 6-1 win at Chicago.

Akira Fitzgerald - Carolina Railhawks

The reigning Soccer Bowl champion Tampa Bay Rowdies kicked off their campaign with a dominant offensive effort against visiting Carolina with a 17-6 advantage in shots, but the RailHawks goalkeeper, making his first appearance as the starter after nine as a backup the past two years, had a highlight reel night of saves, making seven stops in the scoreless draw.

Kevin Molino - Orlando City

With the score level at halftime the T&T international found Long Tan for the game-winning goal and put the contest out of reach three minutes from time with a tally of his own in the 3-1 win at Phoenix.

Devon Sandoval - RSL Reserves

A goal from the rookie out of New Mexico in each of the team's first two games gave them a 2-0 start to the season, hitting for the deciding goal in a 1-0 win against San Jose and tallying the opening goal in a 2-1 win against Colorado.

Jose Valencia - Portland Timbers Reserves

Making his return from knee surgery a year ago that cost him the 2012 season, the Young DP transfer from Santa Fe (Colombia) scored the game-winner with four minutes remaining against Cascadia rival Seattle and provided the game-winner against in the first-ever USL Pro vs MLS Reserve League match as they defeated visiting VSI Tampa Bay 3-1.